North Korea reopened its borders after three years
According to the Asahi Shimbun on September 9th, North Korea celebrated its 75th anniversary as a nation. The North Korean government has lifted the border blockade that has lasted for over three years, allowing people to enter and exit in an effort to promote economic activity.
The report states that in Dandong City, Liaoning Province, the area around the China North Korea Friendship Bridge is bustling with tourists from all over China.
On the 7th and 8th, multiple buses crossed the bridge and entered North Korea.
Since late August, North Koreans who are abroad have gradually returned to their home countries. According to sources familiar with the situation in North Korea, injured and sick individuals, as well as those who have been stranded abroad for a long time, will be given priority in returning to their home country.
It is reported that the DPRK closed its border in January 2020 due to the prevention and control of the COVID-19, resulting in reduced trade volume and economic damage. During this period, with very few exceptions, the North Korean government does not allow personnel to enter.
The report also stated that since August 22nd of this year, international flights have resumed, and North Korean Korean Korean Air Lines have resumed shuttling between Pyongyang and Beijing.
Measures to revitalize trade and tourism are taking shape in anticipation of further opening up the border with North Korea.
The report mentioned that the China Northeast Asia Expo was held in Changchun from August 23rd to 27th, and the North Korean exhibition area launched pastries, wine, medicine, and cosmetics. North Korean women wearing ethnic costumes answer guests' questions in the exhibition area.
The report quoted North Korean Central News Agency as stating that on August 30th, the plenary session of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea passed a decree on tourism law. It is said that the content of the tourism law includes expanding international tourism while activating domestic tourism in North Korea.
The specific content is not yet known. However, according to sources from the South Korean government, the Tourism Law is a newly enacted law by the North Korean government. This move seems to be aimed at attracting foreign tourists and increasing tourism revenue.